Dr. Sumith Gopura and Dr. Ayesha Wickramasinghe from the Department of Textile and Apparel Engineering, together with Dr. Chaminda Hewage from Cardiff Metropolitan University and Dr. Tharindu Liyanagunawardena from the University of Reading, successfully concluded two international fashion showcases under the British Council–funded project “Empowering Handloom Artistry: A Digital Approach to Globalize the Heritage Handloom Industry in Sri Lanka.” These events marked a significant step in promoting Sri Lanka’s craft heritage through academic, cultural, and digital engagement. Mr. Kavindu Dharmakeerthi (University of Moratuwa) and Mr. Senal Dharmasiri (Cardiff Metropolitan University) contributed to the project as research assistants.
The first exhibition, “Threaded Heritage,” was held at Cardiff Metropolitan University from 16–19 September 2025. It drew strong participation from undergraduate students, faculty, craft enthusiasts, and members of the public. The hybrid exhibition showcased a fashion collection of six outfits made using Sri Lankan handloom textiles, alongside digital profiles of the collections and the artisans who contributed to the project—bringing visibility to the creators who are often overlooked while designer brands receive the spotlight.
Led by the Sri Lankan team, the project explored the potential of the handloom sector across five provinces—Central, North Western, Southern, Eastern, and Northern—with textiles developed through three selected handloom centers in each province. The UK-based collaborators contributed expertise in digital content and accessibility, helping to make the content digitally accessible. The study focused on sustainability, inclusivity, diversity, and digital engagement as key drivers for uplifting the sector.
Each outfit in the collection incorporated textiles from different provinces, demonstrating that the language of craft and creativity transcends regional boundaries. Virtual versions of the outfits, artisan profiles, and personal narratives accompanied the physical exhibits, creating an interactive experience. The multidisciplinary team and collaboration across three universities gave the exhibition a strong international character and widened community engagement. Digitalization played a critical role, highlighting how niche craft industries can extend their reach globally.
Aligned to the exhibition a dedicated seminar titled “Crafting Future – Cultural Heritage Driven Research” was held on 17 September 2025 at Cardiff Metropolitan University. It brought together academics, designers, researchers, and cultural practitioners to discuss the
intersection of heritage crafts, sustainability, digital technology, and future innovation. The discussions emphasized how practice-led research and digitalization can preserve vulnerable craft traditions while opening new avenues in education and markets.
The exhibition series continued at the University of Reading on 23 September 2025, where Threaded Heritage was presented to a broader academic and public audience. The event featured live discussions, demonstrations of digital concepts, and engagement with design and technology students, generating strong interest in cross-cultural collaboration and digital preservation.
Both exhibitions made a notable impact across academic and public spheres in the UK. Key outcomes included,
• Inspiration for undergraduates – fostering interest in craft research, design innovation, and sustainability.
• Academic collaboration – encouraging researchers and faculty to explore joint research, digital documentation, and knowledge exchange.
• Public engagement and appreciation – attendees showed strong interest in Sri Lanka’s weaving heritage, cultural narratives, and global collaboration potential.
These events also highlighted the importance of preserving tacit knowledge and integrating digital tools into craft development, aligning with the University of Moratuwa’s commitment to creative research and community impact.
